Snails and tide mode

[maffs]

Roger,

I have two streams (6000) in a 90 gallon with a multicontroller. I currently have both on 100%- an attempt to help algar in my new tank. Its getting under control now and I would like to move to tide mode, but am concerned about comments you have made in the past about snails getting in. I have 4 Astrea and 4 Turbos (turbans).

My question was what part I woul need to hold so that if a snail damaged the prop, I could repair the Stream quickly. Would I just need a prop?

Thanks,

Matthew.

 

[rvitko]

I haven't seen the props break, the shaft snaps off and I stock these as part of a full rebuild kit. The snails have to be small enough to get in and so astrea and turbo are not usually a problem. The usual culprits are the stomatid snails- the little black halfshell ones that come in with live rock.

 

[maffs]

Thanks Roger. So if I wanted to have a "repair kit" handy just in case, would I have to buy a "full rebuild kit". Can you tell me what this would have to contain and how much it would cost.

Matthew.

 

[rvitko]

It is part 6080.60 and it costs $27.09. It includes all the parts of the moving drive unit except the actual propeller.

 

[Brewboy74]

Roger,

How frequently does this occur?

Thanks

 

[rvitko]

I have had it reported to me from 3 customers, one customer went through 4 drive units, another 2 and another 1. The plastic is not exactly fragile and so a hard impact is the only possible explanation but the culprits were never found. In all cases though the customers had seen small snails and seemed to agree it was the only logical explanation. It isn't exactly common but it has happened and I just would rather spare you the frustration. I have generally preffered the alternating pulse set up where one pump is at 30% when the other is at 100% and then they change off.

 

[blgreef]

I run my pumps in tide mode and often find snails stuck in corals. they get flung across the tank when the streams kick in.

Also have noticed a number of new snails that have reproduced in the tank and on two occasions have seen them going into the prop housing, pulled them out but if they are small enough they will end up in the pump. Most snails in my tank seem to like the tunze surface for a snack, and they do a great job ( pump goes from dull brown to pink (corraline) after they have finished